Name: Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, butterflied and pounded thin; 1 large egg; 0.25 cup water; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 cups panko bread crumbs; 1 cup avocado oil or other vegetable oil (or more as needed for frying); 0.5 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco; 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar; 1 package Hawaiian rolls or small sourdough rolls (12 count); 24 leaves lettuce (rinsed and patted dry)

Introduction to Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

If you're looking for a crowd-pleaser that's easy to whip up for any occasion, bang bang chicken sliders are the answer! These bite-sized delights pack a flavorful punch with their crispy chicken, zesty bang bang sauce, and fresh lettuce, making them perfect for summer barbecues, game day parties, or even a cozy weeknight dinner at home.

Why Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are Perfect for Homemade Meals

Homemade meals allow you to control ingredients and flavors, and this recipe ensures you can customize everything to your taste. By using fresh produce from your garden or local market, you can enhance the quality of your dish while supporting local businesses. Plus, the assembly of these sliders is fun! Whether you're cooking solo or with friends, you can chat, laugh, and bond over the deliciousness of frying chicken and building your own sliders.

Making bang bang chicken sliders is also a fantastic way to introduce your culinary skills to friends who may not be as experienced in the kitchen. The bright flavors and crispy texture make these sliders a favorable first dish for anyone wanting to impress. Ready to dive into this tasty recipe? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Creating bang bang chicken sliders starts with carefully chosen ingredients that elevate this dish to new heights. Here are the essentials you'll need:

Essential Ingredients for the Chicken

Chicken Breast: 1 ½ pounds, skinless and boneless, butterflied and pounded thin for even cooking.
Egg and Water Mixture: 1 large egg mixed with ¼ cup of water for that perfect coating.
Flavoring Agents:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a kick
1 teaspoon of ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste
Crunchy Coating: 2 cups of panko bread crumbs for that delightful crunch.
Cooking Oil: 1 cup of avocado or any vegetable oil for frying.

Key Ingredients for the Bang Bang Sauce

The star of the show is definitely the bang bang sauce, where richness meets zest. Gather these ingredients:

Mayonnaise: ½ cup as the creamy base.
Sweet Chili Sauce: 2 tablespoons for sweetness.
Hot Pepper Sauce: 1 tablespoon, such as Tabasco®, to spice things up.
Rice Wine Vinegar: 1 teaspoon adds a delightful tang.

Now that you're set with these ingredients, get ready to whip up some delicious sliders that are sure to impress! For more cooking inspiration, check out this article on tips for creating flavorful sauces.

Step-by-Step Preparation of Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Creating bang bang chicken sliders is a delightful way to elevate any gathering or casual dinner. Follow these straightforward steps to prepare these tasty treats that everyone will love!

Prepare your ingredients

Before diving into cooking, take a moment to gather all your ingredients. Having everything on hand makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you'll need:

Chicken: 1.5 pounds of skinless, boneless chicken breast, butterflied and pounded thin.
Breading: You'll need flour, egg, panko breadcrumbs, and a medley of spices like garlic powder and cayenne.
Bang bang sauce: Combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot pepper sauce, and rice vinegar for that irresistible kick.
Rolls: A pack of 12 Hawaiian rolls or small sourdough rolls is perfect for hosting.

It’s also helpful to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to easily transfer the breaded chicken later.

Create the breading station

Setting up your breading station will make coating the chicken a breeze. Use three shallow bowls:

First bowl: Beat together the egg and water.
Second bowl: Mix flour with garlic powder, cayenne, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper.
Third bowl: Place your panko breadcrumbs here.

This organized setup helps streamline the coating process, saving time and reducing mess!

Coat the chicken

Now it’s time for the fun part! Cut your flattened chicken breasts into about 12 pieces.

Dip each piece first in the egg wash, ensuring it's covered completely.
Transfer it to the flour mixture, covering it evenly, then back into the egg wash.
Finally, coat it in panko, allowing for a perfect crispy texture.

Once coated, lay the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and chill them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better during frying.

Make the bang bang sauce

While waiting, whip up your bang bang sauce! It’s as easy as mixing:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Blend them together in a small bowl, and if you're feeling fancy, store it in a squirt bottle for easy drizzling!

Fry the chicken to perfection

Heat up 1 cup of avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the chicken pieces in, one at a time. Fry each side for about 3 minutes or until golden brown, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Once cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Assemble the sliders

Cut your rolls in half horizontally and lightly toast them for an added crunch.

Drizzle or spread a generous amount of bang bang sauce on the bottom half
Layer with two rinsed and dried lettuce leaves.
Place a crispy piece of chicken on top, add more sauce if desired, and close with the top half of the roll.

These bang bang chicken sliders are now ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for any summer gathering or casual weeknight dinner, they're sure to impress! For more recipe ideas, check out AllRecipes for a treasure trove of cooking inspiration.

Variations on Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Spicy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

For those who crave a little extra heat, consider turning up the volume on your bang bang chicken sliders by adding more cayenne pepper or even fresh diced jalapeños to the mix. Alternatively, try marinating the chicken in a spicy sauce before coating it. This not only infuses flavor but also takes the sliders to a whole new level. Pair these fiery creations with pepper jack cheese for an added kick!

Bang Bang Sliders with Different Sauces

Don’t be shy to get creative with the sauce! While the classic bang bang sauce is a crowd-pleaser, you can easily swap it out for alternatives like a zesty chipotle mayo or a tangy honey mustard. Each sauce will give your sliders a unique twist, allowing you to customize your sliders for any gathering. Explore different flavor profiles, and don’t hesitate to invite friends for a slider-tasting night!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Best frying techniques for crispy chicken

To achieve perfectly crispy bang bang chicken sliders, oil temperature is key. Heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C) before adding the chicken. This ensures a golden, crunchy exterior. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cool the oil and lead to soggy results. As soon as they’re golden brown and no longer pink inside, place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Suggestions for ingredient substitutions

Feel free to customize your bang bang chicken sliders with your favorite ingredients! Instead of mayonnaise for the sauce, try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. You can swap out panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes for an extra crunch. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend and rice paper for the coating. Always think creatively about flavors and textures!

Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Perfect sides to accompany sliders

When enjoying your bang bang chicken sliders, consider these delicious sides to elevate your meal:

Sweet Potato Fries: Their sweetness pairs perfectly with the heat of the sliders.
Coleslaw: A crunchy and tangy slaw adds a refreshing contrast.
Cucumber Salad: Light and crisp, it’s a great palate cleanser.
Potato Wedges: Seasoned and baked, they add a hearty touch to your plate.

Creative serving ideas for parties

Hosting a gathering? Use bang bang chicken sliders as a fun centerpiece! Serve them on a large platter with an assortment of dipping sauces, like extra bang bang sauce or honey mustard. You could set up a slider bar with toppings such as:

Avocado slices
Sliced jalapeños
Pickled onions

This interactive setup encourages guests to create their flavor combinations! For more inspiration on serving and pairing, check out Food Network for creative party ideas.

Time Breakdown for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Preparation Time

Get ready to roll with a prep time of 30 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients and getting your chicken ready. It's a great way to spend some time in the kitchen, especially if you enjoy cooking!

Cooking Time

Once you're prepped, you’ll need 15 minutes for cooking. Frying the chicken to crispy perfection is the highlight of this recipe. Do you smell that? That’s the scent of deliciousness filling your kitchen!

Total Time

All set, the total time for these delightful bang bang chicken sliders is just 45 minutes. Perfect for a quick gathering or a cozy night in. Grab your sliders and enjoy a delicious meal with friends or family!

Looking for more chicken recipes? Check out this resource for inspiration!

Nutritional Facts for Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Calories

Each bang bang chicken slider contains approximately 251 calories, making them a flavorful yet manageable option for lunch or dinner.

Protein

With about 10 grams of protein per slider, these tasty bites provide decent nourishment, perfect for fueling your summer activities.

Sodium

Keep in mind the 406 mg of sodium in each slider. It's always wise to be aware of your sodium intake, especially if you're watching your salt consumption.

For more on nutritional balances and tips on healthy eating, check out resources like the USDA Food Composition Database for deeper insights!

FAQs about Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Can I make bang bang chicken sliders in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and even fry it a day ahead of time. Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. To assemble the sliders, simply reheat the chicken and toast the rolls. That way, you can whip up a delicious meal even on the busiest of days.

What other ingredients can I add to the sliders?

Feel free to get creative! Some tasty additions to your bang bang chicken sliders include sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or diced cucumbers for a refreshing crunch. You could even swap the lettuce for some arugula or spinach—whatever you have on hand works!

How do I store leftovers?

To keep your leftover bang bang chicken sliders fresh, separate the components—chicken, sauce, and rolls. Store everything in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will stay juicy, and the rolls will maintain their texture, ensuring you enjoy those flavors even the next day! For more tips on storing food, check out websites like FoodSafety.gov.

Conclusion on Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Homemade bang bang chicken sliders offer a delightful twist for your gatherings, combining crispy chicken with a flavorful sauce. Not only are they simple to prepare, but they also pack a punch in taste. Treat your guests to these sliders for a satisfying and fun meal experience.